In my soul

You are in my soul..
Your like my favorite song..
The one that I hear when my days are long..
And when I hear it, my heart skips a beat..
My toes began to wiggle, My feet starts to tapping..
My head starts bobbing, my hand do the clapping.

You are in my soul..

Your my ears when I can't hear..
You are like my radar, and you let me know when danger may be, really close and near..
My sensor, when I get lost.. My intuitive mind streak.. My peripheral vision, when my heart gets weak..

You are my soul...

Your my eyes when I can't see..
When I think that something ain't right..
You see through the fog and you protect me..
You have the arms of a quarterback.. Speed of a jet...
Heart of angel filled with love... and the peaceful spirit just like a dove..

You are my soul..

My soul. I say..
When I am not around you..
My heart seems to need your touch..
The caress of your voice, the look in your eyes, the laughter that we share.. The grace of your style..
I can see you in my mind running.. I will not run after you..

When the sky turns gray.. Together we see blue..
You are my soul..
And we are connected as such.. You are the lock and I am the key.. Peanut butter
and strawberry jelly...
Because you are in my soul..

You

Are
My

soul

The Recipe

Ok, so I posted a status update about a poem that I wanted to write, and many topics were suggested.. So here it is.. Enjoy..
Thanks FB Fam....LOL..



If my memory serves me correctly.
It was a full moon when we met.
Gazing at the stars...watching the sunset..
We took long walks on the lake, watching other couples stare.. They have no idea. How long it took fo us to get there.
I've felt love before, but not like this.. I've allowed myself to let go, and ended up in a relationships
with a twists.

But you..

You allowed me to show my natural side. Nappy hair, specs, blue jeans, with slides.
You loved me for me, and I can truly appreciate that.. I can't believe you love me, without the weave and tracks.

I embraced me for such a long time.. Staring at the lady in the mirror that I did not want to see..My God I can't believe that you truly love me. I waited for you, single for many years, on the side line. While I watched others, get picked, while I waited in line. I found that what I prayed for, God delivered to me.. All that was required was patient, and I was so blind I couldn't see.

Your love is equivalent to cornbread, with that sweet churn butter.. Ahhhh...
It cooked, but it took some time.

Do you remember when I invited you over for dinner?
I made you that pot of greens. I worked so hard to make it just like grandma taught me.. So I spent many hours just trying to clean..
Them for you, because you deserved nothing but the best.. Baked chicken with a little Ceyene pepper, some honey. Is what I served, under my nest.

If my memory serves me correctly.
It was a full moon when I met you....
I think we talked that first time, until the sky was no longer blue.
At times I smile.. When I am away from you. Just remembering the things that you used to do.
You would listen to me chatter, about all sorts of things. I fully had your attention, that was just one of the ways you loved me..

Hey do you remember when I was broke that time? I made a crock pot of pinto beans.

I had a secret ingredient.. That you couldn't put your finger on..
It was my special tomato paste, love, and chili powder, that made you come back for more.

In being who I am, I loved to cook for you, it was one of the ways, that I expressed my love for you.
I am so glad that, when the moon is full I can always think of you.

So when I think of you, I think about Gumbo.. All that stuff put into one pot.. Results in a spoonful of goodness.

That's my recipe of love..

Happy Birthday

As I posted a memory for today.. Things that I can recall that were always good..
I remember, my mother... She was peaceful, God-fearing, loving, her smile was amazing.. I know that I will be sad at times... However I also can't be.. God blessed me with enough time, to remember her, for the beautiful person that she is. It's funny, as I get older..I am often stopped and asked, " Baby what is your name?" And when I tell them.. They say, " Oh my Lord!".. Yes.. I am Nell's daughter, and some called her Mae. I am a reflection of a wonderful woman..Though I may fall short.. I will never be perfect.. I learn each day, to progress in the positive, and stray from the negative.. Tomorrow is not promised.. I am humbled and so grateful for the blessings that are coming my way and those that I have recieved.. My grandmother and grandfather blessed me with 2 amazing individuals that I will always have love for, and that I will never forget.. Now my grandpa.. WOW! That is a totally different blog.. I love him so much and I am thankful for him always.. Mom, if I had a couple of words to say to. I would say, " Thank you, sometimes my tears, are the tears of a child who was 10 that lost her mother, and she misses her deeply, I will never forget you and I know that one day I will soon see you.. You have taught me to love no matter what, and to be kind to others, for this I am grateful.. You live through me, and I am blessed that I had the opportunity to know you for the great mother that you are.. I love you and Happy birthday.. In addition to Aunt Debra.. who is no longer with us, which is my mother's sister, her birthday will be on the
23rd.. Happy Birthday Auntie.. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for myself.. LOL>.
And mom, "I know you know what I did with the peas"

Happy 1 Year Anniversary, " Chronicles Of A Mended Heart"

Howdy doody readers,
The opportunity has presented itself once again to share with you more happy moments..
As I embark on my book's 1st anniversary, birthday, celebration, whatever you want to call it. It's a blessing to me..
This is a major time to reflect on all the hard work, tears, sweat, thoughts, prayers and support that I have recieved.. I can rememeber when I first begin to write poetry and my readers would say, " Shametra you should put this in book form." I am so grateful for the seed that has been planted.. There were times that I wanted to give up and say ok, it's taking to much to meet these deadlines, and to do this and that.. However after it was all said and done. I gave birth to a beautiful book that I consider "my baby." You have no idea of the butterflies I have in my stomach as I work on this 2nd book. I am allowing myself to have lot's of me time, to collate my thoughts into book form. I have completed some chapters, but I am still working on it. One thing that I have realized is that God has been working on me.. I am so used to the I want it now, and I work to get what I want NOW!.. Some call it "the only child's syndrome." I call it the, " Go Getter" , others may call it " Persistance", However Patient is what our father says.. I have actually slowed down, and really given some thoughts on what I would like to say next in this 2nd book. I have come up with a title. Two different ones for that matter. But this time around, as I did before. I will pray for guidance, and ask the father, what he would like me to say.. Shametra has an idea, but sometimes, It's not always about me.. If you determine the correlation between what God wants you to do, and what you want to do.. You will find, that it's not always about you.. Many times in my journey, I have prayed for certain things in my life and neglected to follow suite as I have prayed... I had to put myself in a position to be blessed.. Extracting those very things that caused me to be less productive and more distracted.. There is no personal attack on these things, people, places per say.. It just means that this season may be over.. and that the love that I share for these items listed above remains unconditional.
I am just about the Lord's business. As seasons change, I became closer to God, family, my jourals.. The words that turned into paragraphs, were amazing.. I knew it when I first saw it.. That unconsciously it was a deep desire to work on my 2nd book... I have realized after years of reading other authors I have been influenced by Shel Silverstein, : Where the SideWalk Ends", Nikki Giovanni" Love Poems", Ken Blanchard " Gung Ho", and "Whale Done", and JacQueline Jakes, " Trophy Women" and many others.. If your eyes are posted to this blog and your ears are up.. I have indirectly informed you in which direction that I am going for the 2nd book. LOL. Other than that you will have to wait and see..
As I approach my book's 1st anniversary, I have one word that sums it all up, " Grateful"

In conclusion I would like to take this time to say thank you to those that supported me, whether it be purchasing a book, praying for me, interviewing me, offering words of encouragement.. Meeting for coffee to discuss the book or how to pursue your own. LOL.. Yes we had some fun times..


I thank you a million times, and give you a bunch of hugs for your love and support..



Tootles for now....

Shametra

Vacation week

Well, well, well,

Howdy fellow readers. I've had a pretty busy week since I was on vacation.
For the first 2 days, I had some me time, yep I actually laid on the couch and watched television, and spent some extra time with my dogie.
After Wednesday, the good times were rolling.
I received an email from a friend regarding a volunteer opportunity for the Capital Area Food Bank. So I signed myself up for 4 hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday. I also participated in the event (2 days) that was being held all week "Thread gills" and Friday, ( drum roll, please) I went to speak with 5Th graders at an East Austin elementary school.
Out of everything that I did this week. I would have to say that Friday was the best.
You know? It was such an honor when a friend called to invite me to speak to a 5Th grade class.
The children read me some of their poetry , I mean you think I write deep, you ain't seen nothing yet. These children's words were encouraging, yet they managed to express their thoughts.. You had to be there to hear it. I was blown away and so excited.
I had the opportunity to share some of my poetry with them from my most recent book, and I also shared my story with them. I am from East Austin, yep born and raised.. It was such a blessing to return, and offer a blessing to these children by reaching back into my community, in which I was born and raised.
As I look back, I can recall, every single person in my life, that has made a difference, that had an impact on my life in a positive way, and influenced me to do the right things. I plan to return, for so many reasons, my top 2 would be.
To hear some more poetry and to just be in the children's presence..
I was amazed of the art work as I walked through the halls.
I was also introduced to the art teacher, that influenced the children to draw beautiful pictures of flowers, that were inspired by a book called, " One Hundred Flowers" By:Georgia O' Keeffe. ( I want this book, I had the chance to flip through some pages, and it's totally awesome)
The week was great, alot of relaxation, and me time, and some fun in the sun..

And last but not least Thursday I had the opportunity to see, " Let Me Down Easy" Starring Anna Deavere Smith.. All I can say is WOW! The smooth transition from scene to scene was genius, Mrs. Smith delivered a great monologue, that kept our eyes glued to her, to see what she would do next.

Well my fellow readers, it's time to get some shut eye and prepare for the week..

See ya next time..

Let's see
If I can sum up my week with one song it would be, " Tomorrow" by: Quincy Jones, featuring Tevin Campbell

The alternative to "Texas Relays"

WOW! What a great weekend!
Instead of being in unstoppable traffic. I connected with my cousin this weekend to have a great time, were we volunteered at a local event,that has taken Austin by storm.
We definitely, were exhausted with the heat, but the music and the surroundings of entrepreneurs filled our spirits with a taste of lush appreciation of what Austin has to offer.
We met and greeted with faces unknown and even saw some old school favorites.
In the line up were Sugarhill gang, Boys II Men and Cameo (yep they are still around) still bringing that funk, that your momma or father used to listen to, while cleaning up the house on a Saturday morning.
I have not seen Boys II Men since their last visit to Austin at the Frank Erwin Center, I can not recall exactly what year it was. I was in my early twenties.
They still have their swagger.
Not to mention, the day was full of cardio that was well deserved. And I am sure my body is thanking me for it.
I purchased some goodies from fashionique and Toombas.. (Thanks ladies)
If you have never heard of these fashion divas google them.. I am sure that your time will be spent wisely.

To view some photos from this event, please go to www.nellsreflection.com, and click on my, myspace page..

signing off for now,

nellsreflection

In the Midst ( I'm coming through)

In the Midst ( I'm coming through)

A portion of
Constant dark skies.
An image of
Rainy days
Loved unconditionally.
My wing is trying to mend, from all
the pain and agony
love continues to follow in my trail
AND
I wreak of something, that draw others close to me
when I really, want to
be
in my shell.
Their testimonies.
Give me hope.
Because
Iron sharpens Iron
Love is on my trail
and it won't leave me a-lone
So I am only allowed to see a glimpse
of A portion of constant dark skies.
An image of rainy days.
I feel weak and shattered,
broken, yet restored
Challenged, yet blessed
Through
It all, his love
continues to live in my spirit.
I was reminded, that your love is in me.

"A New Beginning"

Do you remember the movie with Morgan Freeman, " Lean on me?"
He was a father to those that did not have a father.
An educator, of great things.
Yet to others placid.
Strength and Encouragement.
Is this what we search for as a people?
The head of state.
I giggle because
today
is
a
new day.
Transcending.
God
has risen
in us
We
are
the people
that rise
as a people.
We sour like eagles..
We strive for world peace..
We love everyone, ourselves and thy enemies.
We are people..
Today is
a New
Day..
We've come
together
To make a change
Congrats to United States president.
Barack Obama
And to our ancestors.
We walk a million and one more foot-steps for you.
Today is a new-beginning

Written by: Shametra McGregor
3/4/2009

What's your favorite love story?

I love to watch love stories, I think that I have seen them all. However I know there is more to watch.

My perception of a great love story is when two people at the end are getting married, or they find some reason to work out their differences.

One of my favorite stories is " Why did I get married." Tyler Perry definitely nails it in this film.. It screams, love, compromise, trust and sacrifice..
Which, is what I have heard so far about being married.
I can't tell ya nothing yet..
At times outsiders may never know the compelling reason that keeps two people in love..

So what's your favorite love story??

"Many Rivers To Cross"

So, valentine eve, I was watching one of the greatest movies of all times.
As many times as I have watched it, I never actually watched it to the very end to hear this song..
It's a purifier.. almost.
Instantly you feel refreshed, just by the first verse,and then you are hooked.
I am stil trying to collect my thoughts of what Oleta Adams, was singing about.
But as I stated, my favorite part is the first verse.. I believe that we do in deed have many rivers to cross..


(thinking of) "Many rivers to cross" : Sung by Oleta Adams.

Enjoy

The one I gave my heart to

I emerge from a shell, of pure beauty.
And God..
Put his hands around me, and said, " Take my hand?", " Child, take my hand?"
I answered, " Lord I am scared, so much has happened to me, and I don't know were to start.."
He said, " if you just put your trust in me, I will protect you."
I said Lord, " I'm tired of running, and my feet hurt, it's been a long time, since I've felt invited in your house." " I mean I'm not perfect, we all make choices, but why are you offering me a 2nd chance?"
He said, ' my child, when I made you, I created a blessing."
I said, " Lord they see me in you..
He said, "I made you to shine, just like my son."
I looked in his eyes.....
I said, " Lord they talk about me, they point fingers at me, I try to love them anyway.
He said, "my child, they persecuted me ,they will do the same to you, stand firm, and humble your spirit, and follow me."

I
then
took his hand, and surrendered to him."
,
and now I have
eternal life and his unconditional love.

Wrote by the Author of, " Chronicles of A Mended Heart"
Shametra McGregor

This one's for you

Often I have encounters with individuals that are blessed with these incredible talents. I attempt network as much as I can..
However, even in the midst of my job, completing my education, working on my 2nd book, being of service to my clients, and now attending to "Prince", trying to get back into church at a regular pace and when I get the chance just taking the time to be an actual couch potato for once, you know just stopping and smelling the roses...

So this one is for you..

I am often referred to as the lady in the loop.. Which means, if you need a referral, you come to me..
Life is getting busier by the day..

So this one is for you..

If you have some special talents, if you are an entrepreneur, need to get the word out about your business, if you have some information that may be useful to others.. Please post that information in this blog...

To post information: www.nellsreflection.com/dialogue.htm

Information is the key to enriching the lives of others, please use wisely..

Until next time

PS> You may post anything about your business, ie: contact info, link info etc , also for local and surrounding areas for your business. Got events to post you may do it here, please make sure that all information is communicated properly and tactfully.
--

New Addition

At 3am this morning I woke up. Jumped on the SPCA website and reviewed the recipients for adoption again. My preference since I have begun my search has been a miniature pincher.

I woke up again about 11am and searched again. They were all beautiful. One caught my eye by the name of, "Monsier" However there was not an instant connection.

My internet zoned out, and I was not longer able to view.. I then saw a miniature pincher text, however I did not see the photo.

I refreshed my page, and Voila! The cutiest dog that you would ever see.

I walked out the door and did not think anything until I met up with a girlfriend, to chat and do laundry at a local laundry facility..

I raved about this dog, I had to.. She works at a veternary clinic.. I said to her," While our clothes are drying let's go look at him..

My fellow readers I am not aware if you know of the adoption process.

I recalled that I had been looking at this site for about 3 months, and I read up on everything..

Ya know I did my research..So ladies and gentleman..

Introducing, a new addition to my life.
Ooh and did I neglect to mention that he came with a purple collar.. LOL



"Prince"

Being a Blessing

In many ways we can be a blessing to others. At times. It may result in us stepping outside of our comfort zone. (I am still in training, however I can almost see the gold)
There have been times when I have spent my last dime, given my last $5.00, and taken away from myself to be a blessing to others.
There was no need for me to be boastful, or brag about my good deeds. Due to the fact that I know where my help comes from. Thus when I am in need, I know that I will never go hungry, I know that when my pockets feel a little light, it's only temporary, when my vision is slightly impaired, there will be a remedy for me to see again, and when I feel that my heart and spirit may be slightly broken, because of life's curve balls. I can always kneel down on my knees, bow my head and pray. And ask the father to help me.
This entry has been influenced by someone that I have known for about 12 years. A great friend of mines that is stepping out on faith to make her contribution to our society. When I got the news I immediately prayed for her and offered her my support. My friend is taking on the responisibility to become a foster parent. She is already a parent of 2 beautiful boys. Yet, she finds more room, to reach out and touch another child's life.
What can you say for people like this in the world? They not only think of just themselves. But live their lives to be a blessing to others.
This task will be a challenge. But God is in control. My fellow readers, I solicit your prayers, and words of encouragement for my friend that I consider my sister. I think it is so awesome when we find it in our spirit and our hearts to consider being a blessing to others.
My passion in life is to seek to be better everyday, pray to God for those around me and then myself, and during the week make my attempts to make a difference somehow. Believe you me, a smile goes a long way.

Sounding off, for now until the next time

Shametra.

What did you think of the Book?

So here is the part were I ask for you to give me your feedback of my new book. " Chronicles Of A Mended Heart"

I am open to your critique, your views, and anything else that you want to share about the book.

Tell me what's on your mind.

I thank you in advance for taking the time to do so.

Signing off for now, until the nex time.

Reflections of 2008

Greetings,

This year has just begun, and yet I am reaping my rewards.
God has been so good to me, and I am so grateful for all the great blessings that I have received in 2008.
My first book, " Chronicles Of A Mended Heart", was just the tip of the ice berg. Self exploration, gratitude, a testimony, and in a nut shell, Shametra really realizing how blessed she is. I have overcome so many speed bumps, yet when I reflect on 2008. I have accomplished just as much.
I am learning the true value of friendship, and boundaries. It's really ok. To have your quiet moments. It allows you time, to project and really reflect.
To allow the Lord time to speak to your heart. So that you know when to make the next move, proceed to the next level.
What I have realized is, without God in my life, I would have not accomplished as much as I did.
I think my knees are a bit dusty ya'll
Dusty, from all the praying that I did, to draw closer to my savior, dusty to plead to God that I need his love, and I can't live without him, and dusty because, I had to pray for change.
Change does not have to be negative, it can be considered, something that represents, newness. A change for the better.
And Change is always good.
This year I will not set a resolution. However I will continue on the path that has been set forth before me.
So 2009 will serve as a reminder, of the love that I have, the great friends that are really there, my education, writing my 2nd book and taking the steps to be healthy. Which I have invested alot of my time doing.

So as Micki Howard says, I am love under new management. Do you all remember that song? HA HA
If I could offer a mild story of what I would love for my year to be.

It would be this!

Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Mass Choir- "Bow Down"
Yolanda Adams- "Never give up"
Jill Scott- "Show me"
Dwele- "Hold on"
Mary J Blige- "Come to me (in peace)"
Yael Naim- "New Soul"
Mos Def- "Umi Says"
Tye Tribett " Victory"

You can go to www.imeem.com, to view any of these song titles and artists.

My suggestion to you would be, first seek the kingdom of God and all his righteous, and all things will be given unto you. Pray, pray, pray. It's amazing that at times we second guess ourselves, and at times don't know the right decisions to make, but when you pray and allow the Lord precedence over your decisions, you can never get a wrong answer. He knows what is best for you. NO ONE can love you like him..
Pray for our new president, pray for your family, your friends, and your enemies. Take time read a book, spend some time with yourself, organize and prioritize your life, goals, etc. One of my personal moments by myself is going to the lake and writing, and watching the sun set. It's amazing.. Just to watch the water, and the environment..
Blessings to you and yours. May this year be filled with blessings, and may you set out to accomplish just as much as you put your mind to do.

Signing off for now, until the next time!

Happy New Year!